ArticlePloS one2023
The association between symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and perceived stress: A countrywide study of Sri Lanka.
Article in PloS one, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 15 papers.
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Who cites it
15 citing papers in PubMed, 14 citations in OpenAlex.
- Beneficial Effect of Heat-Killed Lactic Acid BacteriumNutrients · 2024Trial
- Relationships Among Type D Personality, Symptoms, Depression and Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.The journal of nursing research : JNR · 2026Article
- Trends in Emergency Department utilization by disease categories in a migrant-dense high-income setting: a retrospective study in Dubai, 2021-2025.International journal of emergency medicine · 2026Article
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease and temporomandibular disorder risk: a nationwide cohort study.BMC oral health · 2026Article
- Perceived stress, diet, and medication use associated with GERD symptoms in Lebanese adults: A cross-sectional study.Journal of public health research · 2026Article
- Steroid Hormones Are Potent and Putatively Endogenous Activators of Human Bitter Taste Receptors.Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences · 2026Article
- Association between coffee consumption and psychological stress with gastroesophageal reflux disease among Indonesian medical students.BMC research notes · 2026Article
- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms: Correlating endoscopic findings with symptoms and pH-impedance results.World journal of gastrointestinal endoscopy · 2026Article
- Trends in the burden of gastroesophageal reflux disease in China and Global from 1990 to 2021 and predictive analysis for 2040.PloS one · 2026Article
- Insight into global burden of gastroesophageal reflux disease: Understanding its reach and impact.World journal of gastrointestinal pharmacology and therapeutics · 2025Review
- Article
- Unveiling the intricacies: Insight into gastroesophageal reflux disease.World journal of gastroenterology · 2025Review
- Evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and managing dentine hypersensitivity in clinical practice: insights from the Middle East and Africa.Frontiers in oral health · 2025Review
- Trauma and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: the role of emotional processing and mentalization.Gastroenterology and hepatology from bed to bench · 2025Article
- Article
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Authors and funding
7 authors at 3 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/
aimsStress is a known associated factor for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the dynamics between stress and GERD are not fully studied, especially in Sri Lanka. Our objective was to assess it.
methodsFor this cross-sectional descriptive study, 1200 individuals (age ranged 18-70 years, mean 42.7 years [SD 14.4 years], 46.1% males), were recruited using stratified random cluster sampling from all 25 districts of Sri Lanka. An interviewer-administered questionnaire, which included a country-validated GERD symptom screening tool, and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), was used to assess GERD symptoms and stress. Probable GERD was defined as those having heartburn and/ or regurgitation at least once per week which is on par with globally accepted criteria. Those who did not fulfill these criteria were considered as controls.
resultsPSS score was higher in those with probable GERD (mean 13.75 [standard deviation (SD) 6.87]) than in controls (mean 10.93 [SD 6.80]), (p <0.001, Mann-Whitney U test). The adjusted odds ratio for GERD symptoms was 1.96 times higher (95% confidence interval 1.50-2.55) in the moderate to high-stress level compared to the low-stress level participants. PSS score correlated significantly with the GERD screening tool score (R 0.242, p <0.001). Heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, cough, and burping were significantly frequent in those with moderate to high-stress levels (p <0.001). Those with higher stress scores were more likely to use acid-lowering drugs (p = 0.006).
conclusionsIndividuals exposed to higher levels of stress are more likely to have GERD symptoms. Therefore, stress reduction should be an important part of GERD symptom management.
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